Keeping Breckland warm and well this winter
We know that winter can be a difficult time for many. As the days draw in and the temperature drops, you may see poorer health, a rise in energy bills, and the financial pressure at this time of year can even lead to uncertainty over your housing. Here are some of the ways Breckland Council and our partners are here to support you this winter.
Grants to enhance your home’s efficiency
Warm Homes Fund
As part of the Norfolk Warm Homes partnership, we may be able to provide you with a grant for loft and cavity wall insultation, the installation of an air-source heat pump or solar panels, and other energy-saving measures which will help to reduce your heating bills.
www.breckland.gov.uk/ housing-grants/ warm-homes-fund
Citizens Advice Debt Advisors
We are proud to fund dedicated Debt Advisor roles within the local Citizens Advice branches. They can help with a range of money issues, from cost of living, debt solutions, budgeting, mortgage, benefits, pensions and so much more. Get in touch at www. citizensadvice.org.uk/ debt-and-money
ECO 4 Grants
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme requires large energy suppliers to help deliver energy efficiency improvements to households. The ECO 4 Grants scheme aims to improve the least energy efficient homes to support low-income and vulnerable households. Find out more and check eligibility for these grants
schemes at www.breckland. gov.uk/housing-grants
The Link and REST
The Link, founded in partnership by Breckland Council and Norfolk and Waveney Mind, provides a one-stop-shop of support in the heart of Dereham. It brings mental health, housing, employment, training, finance, and community support under one roof.
Meanwhile, REST - Recover, Eat, Support, and Talk - is a partnership led by Mind that brings together mental health support and local services in Thetford. This is available via our office in the town and a café at Riverside Walk. Find out more at www.breckland. gov.uk/the-link and www. norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk/ rest-thetford
ARP debt support and discounts
Did you know that, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a discount on your council tax? As a member of the Anglia Revenues Partnership (ARP), our team manage benefits claims, can help you get back on track if you’ve fallen behind with your council tax bills, and signpost people to further money advice. Find out more at www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/ services/moneyadvice
Homelessness support
If you are at risk of becoming homeless in the near future, please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can try to help you avoid this situation. For those who do not have suitable housing, you can contact us directly via email housing. advice@breckland.gov.uk during office hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday). Outside of these hours, please call our dedicated line: 01362 656870 for urgent advice. We also encourage anyone who is rough sleeping, or is aware of a rough sleeper, to report it to StreetLink, as this connects the person with local services to make sure they have all the relevant guidance and advice: www.thestreetlink.org.uk
Warm Packs Initiative
After the take up of last year’s ‘Warm Packs’ initiative, we’ll be providing even more blankets, slipper socks, soup, hot chocolate and other supplies to help our residents stay warm and well this winter. Find your local pick-up point at www.breckland.gov.uk/ community/warm-and-well
Over £100,000 invested in community groups across Breckland
The latest round of community grants released by Breckland Council has brought the total invested into local groups in the last year to more than £100k.
We reopened our Inspiring Communities Match Funding Grant Scheme last year, in partnership with Norfolk Community Foundation, to provide grants of up to £5,000 to local organisations and grassroots community groups. The initiatives we’re helping to fund are tackling vulnerability and inequality across the district and improving people’s health and wellbeing.
The latest recipients include The Caring Together Charity in Swaffham, which was awarded £5,000 to help deliver counselling for unpaid family carers living in Breckland.
Meanwhile, the Thetford Vineyard Church also received £5,000 to contribute to the operating costs of the Growkids project, a scheme that provides free clothing for children aged 0-11.
“The funding has been a lifeline for us to continue to serve residents of Breckland, providing second-hand clothing in a safe, warm space with play equipment for children, free refreshments and lots of support and signposting. We have had overwhelmingly positive feedback from everyone who uses the service, and it is heart-warming to see mums and dads coming together and offering support and guidance,” commented Victoria Bush, Senior Pastor and Growkids co-ordinator
Other recent grant recipients include:
• Dereham Baptist Church • St Nicholas Hospice Care
• Age UK Norfolk • Dereham Meeting Point
• The Joe Dix Foundation
We continue to welcome applications for the next round of funding, which is due to close on 4 December. Check eligibility and submit your bid via www.breckland.gov.uk/community/funding
Funding helps mark VJ Day
We also offer a number of other grant schemes throughout the year. In the Spring, we awarded a total of £12,000 in grants to organisations across the district to help them celebrate Victory in Europe (VE) Day and, more recently, Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. It was fantastic to help support events which brought communities together to remember the end of the Second World War and reflect on the sacrifices of the heroes that made peace possible.
The biggest change to your councils in over 50 years?
Cllr Bill Borrett, Breckland Council’s Cabinet Member for Devolution & Local Government Reorganisation, answers your questions about the proposed changes to councils and what these could mean for residents.
The Government has set out its intention to abolish Norfolk County Council and Breckland Council (and all the other district councils) and replace them with new ‘Unitary Councils’. These larger councils will take over all the responsibilities that are currently provided by the district and county councils. They have called this process Local Government Reorganisation, or LGR.
While all the decisions about this will be made by the Minister in London, the Government has asked Norfolk’s councils to suggest what they think the future could look like. Breckland Council, working with thousands of residents, five other councils, eight Members of Parliament and numerous stakeholders, put forward our preferred option in September. Our proposal is for three new Unitary Councils in Norfolk – one for West Norfolk, one for East Norfolk and one for Greater Norwich.
What could a West Norfolk Unitary Council look like?
Most of the decisions on how the new councils will work will be taken by the new councillors after you elect them.
We currently expect the elections to take place in 2027. However, our submission to Government has outlined a plan where the new council will:
• Serve a population of around 300,000 residents, covering the current districts of Breckland, King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, and a small part of South Norfolk.
• Tailor local services to local needs, with a focus on delivering in rural areas and market towns and acknowledging what works for Norwich is not always best for us.
• Be the 19th largest of the 54 existing unitary councils in the country. The West Norfolk council would have the right balance of size and scale to provide a solid financial base, modelled to have a budget surplus in year one and deliver savings of over £50m over eight years.
• Work to improve and reform public services by working together more effectively across services, focussing on prevention of problems that impact our communities, and ultimately improving the experience of residents and businesses.
• Keep the council local and accountable. Our proposed approach would allow members of the public to know their local councillor and easily access the council offices. It avoids having a very remote and unresponsive ‘mega council’.
What is Future Norfolk?
Future Norfolk is a partnership of a number of Norfolk’s Councils which are working together to create the best possible plan for the future.
As well as Breckland, it includes the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Broadland District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, North Norfolk District Council, and Norwich City Council. Together, we have developed the proposal for three unitary councils for Norfolk.
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has made their voice heard via our Future Norfolk survey and the events run over the summer.
Your combined feedback represents the biggest input into LGR in Norfolk and was used to help shape the submission we made to Government. You told us that the most important things for you are:
• Services that reflect local needs and protect community identity
• Visible, approachable councils
• Simple ways to raise concerns and understand decisions
• Easy access to decision-makers and clear accountability
• Efficiency is important - but not at the cost of what makes places unique and good services
• Strong focus on financial sustainability
• Councils must plan ahead and stay resilient Thank you for sharing your views
Next steps...
Will I get a say?
While the Government will make the decision, we believe that all residents should have their say.
We think that our proposal is the best one for Norfolk, however it is not the only one, and the Government has said that it will consult on all proposals it is looking at.
At the time of publishing, we do not have the details from the Government, but as soon as we hear we will make sure that you get a chance to let them know what you think of the proposals put forward.
You can find out more about our proposal for three unitary councils on our Future Norfolk website. There, you can also sign up to receive email alerts when we hear more from the Government, including how you can have your say when the Government launches its public consultation.
At time of going to print, the Government is reviewing our proposal, alongside the others submitted across the county. Next year, after the consultation, the Government will make a decision on which structure will be put in place, and we will have to start working towards making the transition.
Autumn/Winter 2025: Public consultation
to gather local people's views on proposals
Early 2026: Government decides how services will be delivered in the future
Spring 2026: Changes in legislation start to be made
2027: New authorities set up in shadow form, with elections in May 2027
2028: New authorities go live and take over from existing councils
Your plan, your future... your say
How should Breckland grow over the next 20 years? Where should new homes be built? How can we protect the character of our towns and villages, while creating new jobs and better infrastructure?
These are the kinds of questions at the heart of Breckland Council’s Local Plan, the document that will shape how the district develops in the years ahead. And right now, you have a vital opportunity to help shape it.
The Government requires us to have a Local Plan and our new plan will need to support 920 new houses being built in Breckland every year. That’s a stretching target that has been set by Central Government.
Our Local Plan Regulation 18 consultation is now open and gives you the chance to have your say on housing, the environment, and local services and green space. The feedback we receive will help decide what the next version of the Local Plan should look like.
In short, this is your plan and your chance to help shape your district’s future. So please encourage your neighbours, friends, and family to take part, so it can best reflect what you all want to see.
A Local Plan is about more than just guiding planning applications. It’s about setting the vision for how the district evolves – deciding where new homes and businesses should be built, what should be protected, and what our priorities should be for future generations.
By taking part, you’ll be helping to ensure that the plan reflects local priorities – from affordable homes and job opportunities to green spaces, transport, and the facilities that make Breckland a great place to live.
The consultation is open until 14 December 2025, and everyone is encouraged to have their say. Whether you live, work, study, or run a business here, your views can make a real difference.
So don’t miss the opportunity to help shape the future of Breckland.
Visit www.breckland.gov.uk/local-plan-2025 to take part.
Homes local people need
Breckland Council is working closely with developers, housing associations, agents, and local communities to ensure the houses being built in Breckland have the needs of local people in mind. Did you know, for example, that more than half of the people on our housing register are in need of a one-bed home? That’s why one of our areas of focus is to encourage the construction of more one-bedroom houses and bungalows, rather than flats.
At the time of publication, around 80 families in Breckland were in temporary accommodation and around 1,000 households on our housing register. These are all entitled to apply for housing support from the council through having a local connection or similar criteria.
Plus, rising demand – for example, from young people outgrowing the family home and seeking a property of their own – means the district needs new houses every year. We want as many of these local people as possible to be able to choose to stay in the district, so we are committed to doing everything we can to help meet local demand.
Our Housing Strategy 2024–2028 is linked with Breckland’s emerging Local Plan, setting out a shared vision to not just build more homes, but to build the right homes, in the right places, for thriving, sustainable communities.
Council bids to save our countryside
Breckland Council members have backed a motion to protect rural communities, farmland and local landscapes from large-scale solar farm developments.
The ‘Save Our Countryside’ motion was unanimously supported at a meeting of Full Council. Councillors highlighted their backing for solar farms and green energy in the right places, but stressed their opposition for solar developments that lack local support, threaten wildlife, take over vital farmland, or offer no community benefit.
Council members pledged to work with local MPs to make sure decisions were made in local communities – not in London’s Whitehall – and we have a local approach to energy infrastructure. We are proud of our beautiful district’s countryside and will protect it while also managing our energy security.
Councils discuss future of town car parks
Breckland Council is in continuing discussion with the district’s town councils about how car parks can remain in local control.
If ownership were to transfer to a new, larger authority as part of the expected changes to Local Government (see pages 4–5), decisions about how they are managed in the future would be made by a more remote organisation. This could include the introduction of parking charges, to bring Breckland in line with other areas of Norfolk.
Instead, we’re working closely with the town councils in Dereham, Swaffham, Watton, Thetford and Attleborough to see if they can take a greater role in managing car parks in their towns, as this approach would keep decision-making local and responsive to community needs.
Initially, we offered to lease the car parks to the town councils for £1 a year, but the town councils advised this didn’t meet their needs. We are keen to find a solution that works for each of our towns so we have since put forward a range of alternative
options, which could see the town councils either lease the car parks and manage them or take over the outright ownership. At the time of going to print, we are pleased to confirm two town councils have already expressed an interest in these options.
How the maintenance of the car parks is funded in the future is something the town councils are considering as part of their decision-making. This could include from their existing budgets, charging people to park, or through their council tax precept.
The town councils don’t have to take over the car parks if they don’t wish to, but we’re keen to work together to find a solution so we can secure the future of public car parking provision, if possible.
Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on what is agreed for parking in your nearest town.
Breckland’s Swaffham
Head to Swaffham on Sunday, 30 November, to see the town transformed in Swaffham’s Christmas Festival. Starting at 10am, there’ll be entertainment all day through to 5pm, including live music and a Christmas Tree Festival. If you’re the artsy type, The Craft Den at the Assembly Rooms is the place for you. The Lantern Parade is also bound to be a spectacle you won’t want to miss, and it’ll be followed by carols at Parish Church at 4pm.
To support local retailers, pick up a unique gift at the Artisan Fayre at the Oasis Centre, and tuck into a delicious treat at the food stalls. That’s not all – there’ll also be a Santa Meet & Greet and a raffle before the town illuminates with the lights switch-on at 5pm.
Thetford
For a merry start to your weekend, stop by Thetford Market Place on Friday, 28 November to see the town lit up in twinkling lights –the switch-on will be at 6:30pm.
Ho-Ho-Holiday Fairs
Come along from 4:30 to 8pm for a range of attractions, from fairground rides to a visit from Santa. This year, there’ll even be jugglers, magicians, and balloon modelers performing at the Market Place and along King Street for a magical start to your Christmas. There will also be a fire engine, a face painter, charity stalls, and craft and food vendors and, to top it all off, local amateur dramatic group Thetford Players will perform scenes from their upcoming pantomime Hansel and Gretel for a dreamy, fairytale atmosphere.
Dereham
For an afternoon Dereham’s Christmas will be on Sunday, starting at 1pm and on Church plenty to keep with a funfair, Santa’s Grotto, in the Assembly plus local music on stage
The town will artisans, local organisations, you can also community this up the evening switch-on at you stick around town glow
Fairs
Dereham
afternoon of family fun, Christmas Lights Event Sunday, 30 November, 1pm in the Market Place Church Street. There’ll be keep the kids entertained funfair, donkey rides, and Grotto, which will be opening Assembly Rooms from 1:30pm, music acts performing stage from 2pm. will host stalls from local groups, charities, organisations, and businesses, so shop to support your this Christmas. Wrapping evening will be the lights at 4:30pm, so make sure around to watch the glow and sparkle.
Watton
Wander into a winter wonderland at the Watton Festive Market on Sunday, 30 November. It’ll be on the high street at the very heart of the town, but don’t worry if the weather’s bad, festivities will be moved to Watton Sports Centre.
There’ll be a variety of food and craft stalls, so something is certain to tickle your fancy. Santa’s Grotto and high street entertainment will ensure both kids and adults have a jolly time – and for a dazzling display, don’t skip the lights being turned on at 4pm.
Attleborough
Kick off your Christmas with a jam-packed weekend full of excitement. The Christmas lights will be switched on around Queens Square on Saturday, 29 November, at around 4:30pm. Be sure to arrive earlier to buy the perfect gift at the Christmas Market and enjoy Larry Gray’s funfair rides. On Sunday, 30 November, there will be a Christmas Carnival at Queens Square featuring stalls, funfair, and a Father Christmas Grotto.
Stay on Santa’s Nice List
The festive season is a time for giving, but it can also be a time of excess. This Christmas, we’re encouraging everybody to reduce, reuse, and recycle festive waste to make sure you stay on Santa’s nice list!
Use household recycling bins for wrapping paper and Christmas cards, glass bottles, tins, and plastic tubs. Make sure recycling is clean, dry, and loose.
Glittery or foil-backed wrapping paper, clear tape, cards with plastic decorations, greasy plates, crisp packets, and plastic sweet wrappers should go in your general waste bin. Use the ‘scrunch test’: if wrapping paper stays scrunched, it’s recyclable, but if it springs back, it’s not.
To cut food waste, plan meals carefully and repurpose what is safe to do so – who’s up for a Boxing Day turkey curry? And don’t forget to check your Christmas and New Year bin collection schedule! Visit www.breckland.gov.uk/rubbish
£2.6m leisure upgrade now underway
Sport, leisure and wellbeing facilities in Attleborough will soon be significantly improved, as the town’s leisure centre enters the construction phase of its £2.6m upgrade.
Breckland Council, working in partnership with Attleborough Academy, Sapientia Education Trust, Attleborough Town Council and Norfolk County Council, is delivering the ambitious redevelopment which will provide radically enhanced leisure facilities right on Attleborough’s high street.
To enable the first phase of work to take place, the leisure centre is currently closed until early 2026. This will see work undertaken to the front of the building, a new reception area installed, changing rooms refurbished and the sports hall improved.
During the following phase of work, we will build a new gym, a new spin studio, create a new community room for classes and install a new locker area.
We also have a vision of investing in creating a brand new 3G artificial pitch outside the sports centre. At the time of going to print this was subject to planning permission and securing final funding. Keep an eye on our social media and website for updates on this project.
While leisure services aren’t a statutory service for district councils, we know how important they are to local residents and are proud to continue to invest in providing the best possible facilities for our district.
Thetford leisure centre celebrates 50 years
Since opening in 1975, the high-quality facilities have enabled people of all ages to participate in sport, swimming, fitness classes and more. And the site continues to go from strength to strength thanks to the recent installation of a new 3G sports pitch which has been so enthusiastically received that usage is up a whopping 262%.
Breckland Council has also invested in the centre’s sustainability, with solar panels recently installed on the roof. The centre is on track to get 45% of its electricity from the solar panels, which is expected to save thousands of pounds per year and reduce the building’s carbon emissions significantly, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
1,000+ residents help shape town’s £20m future
Jo Pearson
Thetford Neighbourhood Board Chairman
Thetford residents have come together in impressive numbers to help shape the future of their town. The ‘forThetford’ survey ran over the summer and saw over a thousand people take the opportunity to share their views on how £20m of Government investment should be spent over the next decade.
People from across the town submitted a range of suggestions, including improving community facilities and local services, enhancing green spaces, supporting young people, and breathing new life into the town centre.
Over the coming months, the Thetford Neighbourhood Board will review the feedback and use it to shape the town’s long-term investment plan. This plan will be submitted to Government to trigger the release of the funding and enable project delivery to begin.
Breckland Council helped to secure this massive investment from the Government in order to support projects that make lasting improvements across Thetford, enhancing neighbourhoods, supporting residents and strengthening the local economy.
Thank you to everybody who took part. Look out for updates at www.forthetford.co.uk
Young minds, big industries
Almost 300 primary school children recently swapped their classrooms for factory floors, stepping into the buzzing world of Thetford’s manufacturers for National Manufacturing Day.
Pupils from Norwich Road, Glade, Drake, Bishop's, Admiral’s and Queensway primary schools were treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how everyday products are imagined, engineered, and brought to life. From innovative design studios to busy production lines, the tours of local industries offered children a first taste of the creativity, technology, and teamwork that power the sector.
The local event was made possible thanks to a collaboration between Breckland Council and three of Thetford’s most dynamic firms: Boniface, which makes tow trucks and recovery vehicles; Peerless Plastics, which has more than three decades’ experience in the plastic coatings industry; and Warren Services, which makes bespoke mechanical components and state-of-the-art machines.
But this event wasn’t just about machinery and materials; it was focused on opening doors to the exciting career possibilities available to local children and making it clear that there are opportunities in our district for all.
Reimagining Watton’s Middle Street
Plans to pedestrianise Watton’s Middle Street are moving forward after Breckland Council helped fund initial design work to explore how the area could become better suited to community life.
The idea stems from Watton’s Town Delivery Plan, which was created in 2021 following extensive feedback from residents and businesses. The plan identified priorities to make the town centre more attractive, safer, accessible, and vibrant.
Developed in partnership with Norfolk County Council, the emerging design proposal shows how pedestrianising Middle Street could be achieved. Engagement is currently underway with businesses in the immediate area to review the initial proposal, with any feedback used to further shape the vision.
Later this year, all local residents will be invited to review the plans to ensure the evolving plan aligns with what local people want. If there is strong community support, Breckland Council will then seek local and national funding to help deliver the scheme.
Follow our social media channels, website, and local press for updates on how you can get involved and help shape the future of Watton’s town centre.
Food Waste collections start 2026
From next summer, every household in Breckland will receive a weekly food waste collection service, marking a major step forward in making recycling simpler and greener across the district.
The new service will mean you can keep food waste, such as peelings, leftovers, and out-of-date items, separate to your general rubbish. As food waste will be collected every week, it will help reduce the risk of pests and odours, particularly during the warmer months.
It will also remove, on average, 40 litres of food waste from your general waste bin, leaving more space for your other rubbish.
And the good news doesn’t stop there! Food waste we collect from across the district will be put to good use, as it will be turned into renewable energy and compost via bio-digestion. That means food you throw away could potentially become fuel used to cook a meal in the future!
Our household collections will follow in the footsteps of our existing Business Waste Food Collection Service, which we launched earlier this year. It now helps hundreds of local businesses recycle more effectively.
To help you find out more about the new service, we’ve prepared a series of Frequently Asked Questions on our website. These explain how the new service will work, what can go into your food waste caddy, and when collections will begin: www.breckland.gov.uk/food-waste
Turning the tide for a Breckland business
Tucked away in the Breckland countryside, a family-run smokehouse is putting the district on the map for premium seafood. Hope Seafood, founded by Thomas Hunt, has grown from a small start-up on a farm that’s been in Thomas’s family for 50 years into a thriving rural business with global customers that include high-end London hotels and international airlines.
After a career in the smoked salmon industry, Thomas decided to go it alone just two years ago. Starting from scratch, he invested everything he could into essential equipment, managing to buy some sturdy but secondhand cutting machines to get him started. The business quickly took off and demand soon outstripped what his machinery could handle.
That’s when he spotted an article in a previous edition of Your Breckland about how Breckland Council offers a range of support to local enterprises. Encouraged to apply, Thomas submitted a bid and was thrilled to secure a £50,000 grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to help him buy two brand-new machines.
Hope Seafood currently produces around five tonnes of smoked salmon each week, but that figure is set to rise to about 20 tonnes when his new equipment arrives in November. That growth has helped secure the business’s future, enabled Thomas to create new jobs for local people, and proven this is another brilliant Breckland business that’s the ‘reel deal’.
To learn more about the Rural England Prosperity Fund, visit www.breckland.gov.uk/business-growth/repf
“Without this grant from Breckland Council, I wouldn’t have been able to buy the machines I needed to grow my business, so it has been a real game changer for us.”
Thomas Hunt, MD Hope Seafood
Supporting small businesses
We are helping small local businesses to access expert advice and resources by subsidising memberships with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the memberships offer access to a 24/7 employment helpline, document templates, debt recovery, business banking, healthcare and more.
Candy Richards, FSB’s Development Manager, said: “FSB membership is a lifeline for small businesses, so it is fantastic that Breckland Council has invested in supporting their local business community through a subsidised membership scheme.
“Our 24/7 legal advice service has helped thousands of small businesses navigate their way through setting up and running a business. And our perks such as free or cash-back on business banking and specialist insurance services makes membership invaluable for Breckland’s small businesses.”
Breckland scoops RSPCA awards
Breckland Council has picked up multiple accolades at the prestigious RSPCA PawPrints Awards. Plus, our Animal Licensing Officer, Alan Goodall, has scooped the Special Recognition Award.
Alan was honoured for his exceptional commitment to animal welfare, having expanded the number of assessed and licensed animal businesses in Breckland from 40 to over 100, while tackling illegal breeders alongside our partners, and establishing regional networks which have become recognised as best practice by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
On top of this, the council won a Platinum Award for our Stray Dog Services for the third year in a row and Gold Award for Kennelling for the second consecutive time.
We’ve picked up prizes at every annual RSPCA awards since 2018. This national recognition highlights our ongoing dedication to caring for animals in the district and our commitment to creating a compassionate and responsible service for pet owners.
Are you
flood ready?
A flood can strike at any time, but winter weather such as heavy rain, melting snow or storm surges could increase the risk of an incident. If you experienced a flood, would you know what to do?
To help you be winter ready, you should prepare now, just in case. Put together an emergency bag of essentials that you can grab and go if a flood or similar incident should occur at short notice. This could contain:
• List of useful contact numbers, including for your councils, utility providers, and insurance company
• Torch & spare batteries
• Prescription medicines
• Supplies for your baby or pets
• Battery or wind-up radio
• First aid kit
• Warm waterproof clothes and blankets
• Bottled water and snacks
• Insurance documents
You should also check you know how to shut off your electricity or gas supply and consider where you, your pets, and your belongings could easily be relocated to stay safe.
For more advice visit www.breckland.gov.uk/emergency-planning/flooding
Who do I call?
Immediate danger? Call 999
Flooding in your area? Norfolk Flood Hotline: 0344 800 8013 Sewers or drains blocked? Let Anglian Water know: 03457 145 145 Roads flooded? Ring Norfolk County Council Highways: 0344 800 8020
Keeping Breckland safe and secure
Like you, we want our district to remain a place where people are proud to call Breckland home. That’s why we’re working closely with our partners to ensure our beautiful district continues to be a welcoming space for residents and shoppers. Here are just some of the ways we’re keeping you safe.
Tackling Antisocial Behaviour
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) are actions that cause, or are likely to cause alarm or distress over an extended period of time. This could be through harassment, neighbourly disputes, intimidation, public disturbances, or actions such as flytipping and graffitiing public property.
We know ASB can seriously affect people’s wellbeing, sense of safety, and overall quality of life, so our dedicated team is committed to taking concerns seriously, offering support, and helping prevent future problems.
If you witness any criminal activity, this must be reported to the police via 101 if it is not an emergency or 999 for emergency situations. For advice and to report a case of ASB, visit www.breckland.gov.uk/community/anti-socialbehaviour
Keeping a protective eye
Did you know that we have around 100 CCTV cameras across our market towns, plus body worn cameras, and mobile enforcement cameras? Our cameras record 24/7, are regularly monitored, and are linked directly to the Police control room. We also place mobile cameras in known flytipping
Oh, SNAP!
hotspots, to help us catch the culprits.
Our district’s fleet of cameras are helping to keep residents safe, deter criminals and aid the council and police in investigations.
Community Safety Partnership
Breckland Council is proud to be a part of Norfolk's countywide Community Safety Partnership, which is made up of local councils, policing and fire services, the Police and Crime Commissioner, probation, health, housing and more. Together, we are working with communities to tackle crime, antisocial behaviour and support community safety.
CAP-ping underage drinking
Over the summer, we launched a new Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) in Thetford, uniting local groups to address issues related to underage drinking and vaping. By bringing together Norfolk Police, Public Health, Trading Standards, Licensing, schools, shop owners, and the local community, we are driving down instances by providing training to local businesses, preventing people from purchasing on behalf of underage people, and investing in youth groups to help raise awareness of the impacts of these issues.
You can report suspected underage alcohol sales to Trading Standards, or antisocial behaviour to Breckland Council: www.breckland.gov.uk/ community/anti-social-behaviour
Did you know that your local police officers host quarterly meetings to provide you with an opportunity to discuss any concerns or issues which directly affect or impact your day to day lives?
Held four times a year and attended by police officers and other partners, the Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel (SNAP) meetings are held both in person and online to make them as accessible as possible.
Details on upcoming meetings are available under the ‘Meeting and Events’ tab at www.norfolk. police.uk. The meetings are currently due to be held at 7pm on:
• Dereham: 21 Jan, 29 Apr, 29 Jul, 7 Oct
• Swaffham: 12 Jan, 20 Apr, 9 Jul, 8 Oct
• Watton: 28 Jan, 21 Apr, 20 Jul, 27 Oct
• Thetford: 7 Jan, 7 Apr, 6 Jul, 13 Oct
• Attleborough: 15 Jan, 14 Apr, 15 Jul, 13 Oct
Your Breckland Council contact directory
Apply online!
You can apply for lots of services we provide at www.breckland.gov.uk/ applyforit By clicking online you can apply for housing and council tax benefits, building control inspections, garden waste collections, council tax E-billing, voting registration and more!
Waste enquiries
See it. Report it. Sort it!
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
Find out first
Receive email alerts about the things that matter, from news and events, to council and committee papers, consultation documents and job vacancies - as soon as possible. You can subscribe or amend your existing preferences at www.breckland.gov.uk/email-updates
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 Breckland Council, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham, NR19 1EE. Local centres: www.breckland.gov.uk/visitus
Your Breckland is printed on chlorine-free paper from managed forests. Information correct at time of going to print.
Keep in touch
If you need help or advice, contact our expert Customer Service staff at www.breckland.gov.uk/GEForm or call 01362 656870
Breckland Council
