Breckland Council

🚲 Between October and December last year, Breckland commenced work on extending Cherry Lane, Dereham walking and cycling path in partnership with Dereham Town Council. 🤝 This reflects our ongoing commitment to Thriving Places, helping businesses in our district to flourish. 👉 Find out more about our Corporate Plan commitments at https://loom.ly/oUcV97I.

Following today's Special Council Meeting, Cllr Bill Borrett, Breckland's Executive Member for Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, gives an update on Breckland's position regarding the Government's plans to reorganise Local Government. 📣 To have your say, take part in Breckland's consultation at https://loom.ly/K1AxR1E.

Breckland councillors have agreed a response to the Government, after being invited to submit proposals on the future of local government in Norfolk. Council Members voted to express their view that the authority doesn’t support the Government’s approach to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). They also shared concerns that LGR could lead to tax rises for Breckland residents while not delivering service improvements. However, having been asked by the Government to submit a view on what council structures could look like in the future, Breckland councillors voted to agree that if the Government insists on proceeding with LGR, a model with three unitary authorities would be best for Norfolk. This is because it retains a level of connection between the organisation delivering services and local needs, as well as a more appropriate councillor-to-resident ratio than some other models may adopt. 👀Read more: https://loom.ly/JiD4hac 📺Watch the meeting in full: https://loom.ly/1PjMBio

🌱 Are you based in Breckland and looking to grow your business or community group? 💰 If so, Breckland Council is offering grants of up to £10,000 to nurture your thriving business or organisation and invite you to submit an application for the Meanwhile Enterprise Grant Scheme. 📚 We encourage all applicants to attend a free online business start-up & self-employment course provided by Kick Off in Business before submitting an application ➡️ https://loom.ly/OD5JOPg 📝 For more information and to apply, click here 👉 https://loom.ly/A5aqdOE

We want to hear your views on the Government’s plans for “Local Government Reorganisation” and “Devolution” in Norfolk. These plans could see the biggest change to local government in our area in 50 years and it’s vital that we know how residents and businesses feel about it. Fill out the survey on Future East and have your voice heard 👉 https://loom.ly/K1AxR1E

🎙️ Exciting News! This week we are celebrating Social Prescribing as we explore how it is transforming lives in Breckland! Our latest Podcast highlights the amazing work being done to connect people with local services, combat loneliness, and tackle health inequalities. Hear from Breckland's Exec Member for Health & Communities, Cllr Tristan Ashby, and from our team of Social prescribers, Nic, Barbara and Jan about how this approach is making a real difference! 👉 Tune in now: https://loom.ly/g3dBQwM #SocialPrescribingDay #InspiringCommunities #BrecklandWellbeing #HealthMatters

🎉 Celebrating Local Business Growth with REPF Grants! 🎉 We’re thrilled to support two fantastic Breckland businesses with Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grants. 🔧 East Engineering Solutions Ltd – With over 20 years of expertise in machine repair and manufacturing, Ben Bacon and his team are the go-to problem solvers for engineering challenges, including obsolete power station parts. Thanks to a £50,000 REPF grant, they’ve installed an advanced lathe/mill, increasing their machining capacity and boosting productivity. 🔥 Bacon’s Firewood – What started as a childhood venture for Sam Bacon has grown into a thriving firewood business. With a £48,700 REPF grant, Bacon’s Firewood has constructed a new drying shed, improving timber processing efficiency and reducing kiln-drying times—delivering even better-quality firewood for customers. Both businesses showcase the innovation and vibrance of Breckland’s rural economy. Congratulations to East Engineering Solutions and Bacon’s Firewood on their well-deserved success! 👏 💼 Could your business benefit from support too? Find out what grants, training, and business growth opportunities are available here 👉 https://loom.ly/aEzJjIg

🚑 BOOST is hosting free Emergency First Aid Training at Work courses for those age 16 - 30 years old. 📝 The sessions will take place in Dereham on 21 March and Thetford on 25 March, and attendees will gain certification. 🫀 Learn and practice your skills now to save lives. 📧 To register for a space, email boostbreckland@norfolk.gov.uk 👉 See attached for full details.

We want to hear your views on the Government’s plans for “Local Government Reorganisation” and “Devolution” in Norfolk. These plans could see the biggest change to local government in our area in 50 years and it’s vital that we know how residents and businesses feel about it. Fill out the survey on Future East and have your voice heard 👉 https://loom.ly/K1AxR1E

🌿🪑 Take a Seat, Start a Chat – Join Our Chatty Chairs Events! 🪑🌿 We’re bringing Social Prescribing to life with our Chatty Chairs – a fun and gentle way to spark conversations about wellbeing, community support, and connection. These iconic chairs have toured Norfolk, and now they’re back to help us celebrate #SocialPrescribingDay! 📅 Join us on 18th & 19th March for a friendly chat, healthy snacks, and useful info on how social prescribing can support you and your community. 📍 Event Locations: 🗓 18th March ➡️ 11:00-12:00 – Dereham Meeting Point ➡️ 12:30-2:00 - The Link 🗓 19th March ➡️ 9:30-10:00 – Online (Collaboration Meeting) ➡️ 10:00-12:00 – Dereham Aid Centre ➡️ 12:45-2:00 – Well-come Group, Dereham ➡️ 2:30-4:00 – Dereham Library 💬 Whether you’re curious about social prescribing, looking for local support, or just fancy a chat, come say hello! Let’s celebrate the power of community, kindness, and connection together. #SocialPrescribing #ChattyChairs #BrecklandCommunity #Wellbeing