07/08/2023: Breckland Council shortlisted for two national public service awards

Breckland Council has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards by a national organisation focused on promoting excellence in frontline services.

The council is in the running for awards in the 'Best Service Team' category and the 'Best Housing, Regeneration or New Build Initiative' category of the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards.

Breckland has been shortlisted for the Best Service Team award in recognition of its work to manage over 200 commercial properties across the district, as well as thousands of pieces of land and two council offices.

Successfully operating the council's portfolio of commercial properties brings in around £3m in rental income each year, which benefits local people by enabling the council to balance its books and keep council tax as low as possible. The council has previously won a Municipal Journal national award for its approach to managing commercial property.

The council is also in the running for the Best Housing, Regeneration or New Build Initiative award following the delivery of the Elm Road Housing Scheme in Thetford.  This multi-partner project, redeveloping a redundant school site for people in need of temporary accommodation, provides not only a home but wrap-around support service for some of the district's most vulnerable residents.

The success of the scheme not only benefits people using it directly, but the rest of Breckland's residents by relieving pressure on numerous other services, including reducing the cost to Breckland residents and businesses, through the Council's temporary accommodation budget.

Councillor Paul Hewett, Executive Member for Property, Projects & Procurement at Breckland Council commented: "These award nominations recognise the exceptional work being done by Breckland staff and partners in delivering quality services for our residents and businesses.  I am incredibly proud to see that our continued efforts to innovate, improve and to reduce the financial burden on residents and businesses is being recognised nationally."

The winners of the awards will be announced in September.