The Thetford Neighbourhood Board met to discuss the ongoing public engagement exercise, the draft 10-year vision for the regeneration plan, ideas for capacity building funding, and the board's finances. The board agreed to delegate the decision to sign off on the public engagement exercise to Jo Pearson, Chair of the Board. They also noted the finance update and the future meeting dates.

Public Engagement Exercise

The Thetford Neighbourhood Board received an interim update on the public engagement activity and survey findings. The public engagement strategy, which must be submitted to the government by 28 November 2025, is designed to gather feedback from residents to inform the regeneration plan for Thetford.

The survey is available online, in public libraries, and via postcards to households. It asks residents to prioritise thematic areas and provide input on valued activities.

At the previous meeting, Terry Jermy MP, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, declared an interest as the board was going to use funding on his magazine, About Thetford, to begin the engagement.

The Board agreed to delegate the decision to sign off the public engagement exercise to Jo Pearson.

Regeneration Plan

The Thetford Neighbourhood Board received an update on the draft 10-year vision for the Regeneration Plan. The plan is a long-term investment strategy that will guide how government funding is applied to address local challenges and support the town's transformation over the next decade. It includes a 10-year vision document and a more detailed 4-year investment plan, with subsequent investment phases of 3 years each.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has provided a data pack specific to Thetford, outlining key indicators aligned with the programme's objectives. Ralph Burton, Assistant Director for Property & Projects at Breckland Council, noted that there were some inconsistencies and concerning figures within the pack that were raised with the MHCLG for clarification.

Capacity Building Ideas

The Thetford Neighbourhood Board received a report on potential ideas for using capacity building funding. The government has allocated £600,000 of the £20 million Plan for Neighbourhoods funding as 'Capacity Funding'. According to the Capacity Funding Discussion Paper, this funding is classed as revenue, which in public sector terms, funds day-to-day running costs such as salaries, services, and supplies.

The government has issued guidance stating that capacity funding should be used to support the establishment and strengthening of neighbourhood boards, helping them to engage the local community and gather evidence to develop the local Regeneration Plan. It should not be used to fund the early delivery of programme interventions.

The report outlined potential areas where funding could be used, including:

• Local boards and governance
• Engagement and building capacity
• Developing plans
• Preparatory activity and linking to engagement themes

The Board was asked to review the purpose of the capacity funding and provide ideas on how, when, and on what the funding could be deployed.

Finance Update

The Thetford Neighbourhood Board noted the finance update. According to the Finance Report, there have been three delegated funding decisions since the last board meeting in July:

• Communications Support: £15,288 (year 1) and £7,644 (year 2)
• Public Engagement Exercise: £13,000
• Website: £8,000

The Finance Report Appendix 1 provides a detailed breakdown of the Thetford Neighbourhood Towns Plan finances as of 31 August 2025.

Other Items

• Will Bridgman, Managing Director at Warren Services, welcomed the Board to Warren Services and gave a short address about the company.
• Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to the Minister of Housing, Communities and Local Government, addressed the Board.
• Chris Bell, Learning & Participation Director of the Britten Sinfonia, gave a presentation sponsored by Michael Fordham, Principal of Thetford Academy.