At a meeting of Breckland Council's cabinet, those present endorsed a new version of the Norfolk Strategic Planning Framework, approved an extension to a recycling contract, and agreed to adopt a revised performance framework. Councillors also reviewed the local council tax reduction scheme and received updates on the council's financial performance and carbon audit.

Norfolk Strategic Planning Framework

The cabinet endorsed the Norfolk Strategic Planning Framework (NSPF) and Statement of Common Ground Version 4, giving delegated authority to the Director of Planning and Building Control to make minor, non-material changes.

Councillor Sarah Suggitt, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Housing & Planning, explained that the framework is a tool for dealing with cross-boundary strategic issues and enables the council to meet its duty to co-operate under the Localism Act 2011¹.

The NSPF identifies key areas of common ground between authorities on the local economy, housing, infrastructure, environment and delivery. It is not a policy document, but rather documents areas of agreement between the authorities on strategic planning issues.

Key changes in version 4 of the NSPF include:

• Updated statistical information
• A review of economic information, reflecting Norfolk County Council's Economic Strategy
• Updates to the health section, reflecting changes in NHS structures
• Updates to the infrastructure section, taking into account new water plans, flood risk data, digital legislation and biodiversity net gain
• A new section covering nutrient neutrality[^3]

Councillor Suggitt said that the updated version takes into account the most recent legislation and information, including the impact of nutrient neutrality on planning issues, changes to NHS structures, and the abolition of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Councillor Robert Kybird supported the report, noting that Thetford and Mildenhall were grouped together as a strategic functional area.

Material Recycling Facility (MRF) Extension

The cabinet agreed to extend the contract for the processing of co-mingled dry recyclables with Norse Environmental Waste Services (NEWS) Joint Venture (JV) to 31 March 2030.

Councillor Paul Hewett, Executive Member for Property, Projects and Procurement, explained that the recommendation followed a strategic review of options for the future processing of mixed dry recyclables. The review highlighted a lack of clarity over the rollout of the Simpler Recycling policy set by the government.

The extension was considered the best option to maintain stability and service continuity, allowing the council to better understand the implications of forthcoming national policies before committing to significant service changes or investments.

Councillor Bill Borrett supported the extension, stating that it was a proportionate response to the uncertainty of local government reorganisation and would protect residents from cost increases.

Performance Framework

The cabinet approved the adoption of the revised performance framework. Councillor Alison Webb, Executive Member for Customer and Corporate Services, said that the framework sets out how the council measures, reports and challenges performance as an organisation.

Councillor Hewett added that the framework rested on the belief to challenge performance and strive for continuous improvement.

Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme Review

The cabinet approved the continuation of the existing Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2026-27 with no changes. Councillor Cowen said that the council reviews the scheme every year to understand the implications for residents.

Q1 Finance, Performance and Projects Report

The cabinet reviewed the Q1 (2025/26) Finance, Performance and Projects Report. Councillor Webb reported that the majority of key performance indicators were at or near target. Councillor Hewett spoke on the position of the council's high-priority projects, and Councillor Cowen presented the financial report, noting a positive contribution to the general fund.

Carbon Audit 24/25

The cabinet reviewed the Carbon Audit 24/25. Councillor Crane reported that the council had reduced its overall emissions by 8.7%, now totalling 6,924 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Councillor Hewett commented that the report contained a great deal of factual data and that it made commercial sense for residents and businesses to introduce some of the initiatives outlined.

Breckland Community Funding Applications

Councillor Tristan Ashby, Executive Member for Health and Communities, reported on grant awards since the previous cabinet meeting, including awards to Caring Together, Thetford Vineyard Church, Bawdeswell Village Community Hub, Swaffham Allotment Association, Dereham Cancer Care and Hockham Parish Council.

Councillor Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Economic Development and Growth, provided an update on the support that Breckland Council had been able to offer local businesses through funding from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.