Statement following meeting on 3 December 2025

Breckland Council would like to thank residents and businesses who attended the public meeting held in Dereham on 3 December 2025. We remain committed to listening to local concerns and taking proportionate, transparent action. Below is an update on activity and progress since the meeting.

Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

Following feedback from residents, Breckland Council has commenced work on a PSPO consultation for Dereham. This enables residents and businesses to formally share their views before any decision is made. Consultation commenced on 19 January 2026 and will run until 1 March 2026.

Support Services - The Link, Dereham

Further advertising and a targeted communication campaign are underway to raise awareness of The Link, Dereham, which offers free support to residents of Dereham and across Breckland. Services available include:

• Mental health support
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) advice
• Citizens Advice
• Money and debt support
• Employment and skills guidance
• Housing and Homelessness support

Residents across the District are able to refer themselves to The Link by visiting our webpage.

NR19 Facility - Use and Inspections

The NR19 facility in Dereham operates under three distinct types of use:

• C1 Hotel accommodation - inspected in May 2025 and due to be reinspected imminently
• House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) - inspected in May 2025 and due to be inspected imminently
• Tenancy letting rooms - inspected in May 2025 and due to be reinspected imminently

All areas have been inspected by the relevant officers and partner agencies as required by legislation. Each use is safe, legal, compliant, and not in breach of any regulations.

Review of Breckland-Placed Individuals

A review has been undertaken of individuals placed in Dereham by Breckland Council, to ensure placements remain appropriate and compliant with housing duties.

Families at NR19

Breckland Council reconfirms that it has not placed any families at the NR19 facility in Dereham.  Other agencies may do so, and we are meeting with them to discuss such placements.

Landlord Engagement and Security

The Council has continued engagement with the landlord of the NR19 facility.

The landlord has now employed SIA Licensed security staff to support site management and reassurance.  SIA is Security Industry Authority license and is a mandatory UK permit for working in private security roles like security guarding or door supervision, proving they are fit, trained and vetted for licensable activities under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

Internal CCTV networks continue to operate and are accessible on request by Norfolk Constabulary.

Temporary Accommodation - Wider Council Engagement

A follow-up letter has been issued to all Norfolk and Suffolk councils, formally requesting that the NR19 facility is not used for temporary accommodation placements. The matter has also been raised in person with relevant senior Officers across the County.

Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Housing Board

The Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Housing Board has now been introduced to strengthen cross-authority collaboration and oversight in relation to housing and temporary accommodation pressures.  An initial meeting has taken place with Norfolk authorities, and this will include Suffolk partners in forthcoming meetings.

Dereham Task Force

Draft Terms of Reference for a Dereham Task Force have been prepared, and feedback is currently being sought from councillors and partners before being shared publicly.  Local community and business representation will be sought to join the task force.  It is anticipated that the first meeting will happen in early February, date will be confirmed.

Increased Officer Presence

Residents may notice an increased visible presence of Breckland Council officers in Dereham, supporting engagement, reassurance, and compliance activity.

Use of Covert Cameras

Cameras are being used in the NR19 locality as part of proportionate monitoring activity, in line with legal and regulatory requirements.  The Council is investigating how implementing wider CCTV coverage could be achieved.

Licensed Premises

Breckland Council officers have carried out proactive visits to licensed premises in Dereham, working with operators to ensure compliance and promote responsible management.

Breckland Council will continue to provide updates and engage with residents as work progresses.