The Breckland Council AGM and Council meeting on 23 May 2024 included the roll call, congratulations to newly elected councillors, a farewell speech from the outgoing Chairman, and the presentation of cheques to local charities. The meeting also included the election of a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman, a vote of thanks to the outgoing Chairman, and discussions on various council matters.

Election of New Chairman and Vice-Chairman

• New Chairman: Councillor Keith Gilbert was elected as the new Chairman for the year 2024-2025. There was some disappointment expressed by Councillor Ruth that the tradition of the Vice Chair becoming the Chairman was broken.
• New Vice-Chairman: Councillor Terry Jeremy was elected as the new Vice-Chairman.

Farewell Speech from Outgoing Chairman

• The outgoing Chairman expressed pride in serving during the Council's 50th anniversary year and highlighted various events and people he met, including military veterans at the Desert Rats Memorial Service and residents at Buckingham House care home in Wotton.
• He presented cheques to Adrian Adcock from the Swaffham and Licham Hospice and Lee Hart and Sarah from SANS, a baby bereavement charity.

Presentations to Charities

• Swaffham and Licham Hospice: Received a cheque for £2,831.77.
• Norfolk SANS: Received a cheque for £2,262 to support the bereavement suite at the QEH hospital.

Leader's Announcements

• Social Housing: Highlighted the £1.8 million investment in Elm House and the Council's move to become a registered housing provider.
• Business Support: Discussed various initiatives including the net zero business support program and the £1 million boost to the Swaffham economy.
• Awards and Recognition: Mentioned several awards won by the Council, including the Local Government Chronicle Award for health and social care.
• Future Plans: Emphasized the importance of the £20 million investment in Thetford and the need for continued support for all market towns.

Questions Without Notice

• Councillor Atterwell: Raised concerns about the lack of investment in towns like Deereham and Wotton compared to Thetford.
• Councillor Land: Asked about the capacity to handle the Abbey State planning application in Thetford.
• Councillor Cuyberd: Inquired about ARP's efforts in identifying and recovering fraudulent claims.
• Councillor Clark: Questioned the Council's efforts to address food poverty and the underlying causes.
• Councillor Jeremy: Sought an overview of the Council's housing and homelessness services.
• Councillor Sarah Taylor: Asked about the Council's initiatives to address debt and the cost of living crisis.

Committee Appointments

• Changes were made to the licensing committee, overview and scrutiny, and planning committee memberships.
• The shared memorandum of agreement committee was removed.

Representatives on Outside Bodies

• Several changes were made to the Council's representatives on outside bodies, including the addition of the Thetford Town Board.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with a reminder of a briefing on the Local Plan scheduled for later in the day.