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Borough Council News Release regarding Local Government Reorganisation
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An Open Letter from the Chair and Parish Councillors of Heacham Parish Council to the Parishioners of Heacham
Community Support Accommodation in Heacham Village
The Parish Councillors wish to update Parishioners on recent, welcome developments in the delivery of our plans for the community administrative offices in the village.
Background
It is worth reiterating that the principles guiding our work is to ensure public funds are used effectively, transparently, and in a way that serves the village community’s needs. Clearly, with costs rising substantially due to significant national and global events since 2020, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, our plans for the Parish administration accommodation have been adjusted to better support the community. In addition, the Parish Council is bound by government legislation and regulations on what we can and cannot do. You will be unsurprised to know that we cannot use funds in a speculative manner; (see Annex: Principles Guiding Parish Council Spending), the Council will always strive to achieve the best value for money possible. With these factors in mind, Parishioners will wish to know the following:
The Old Friends Hall (Sunnyside)
The Old Friends Hall building has been recently repaired following damage to the structure. An office area and storeroom have been built to temporarily accommodate the relocation of the Parish Council Clerk and staff from the Jubilee Clinic building on Pound Lane, which will take place during the week of 21 October 2024. The Hall has been updated with new windows and main doors, internal lighting, and redecorated. Coffee morning facilities have been improved with the installation of an electrically heated boiler for on-demand hot water. Following a successful grant application by the Parish Council to King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council, solar panels will be installed, reducing electricity costs and improving the Parish’s sustainability credentials.
The Jubilee Clinic (Pound Lane)
As many Parishioners will know (and as advised on the Parish Council website https://heacham-pc.gov.uk/), the Jubilee Clinic building was leased to the Parish Council (under Full Repairing Lease terms) by the Jubilee Welfare Trust (JWT) several decades ago. Under the lease, the Parish Council has been responsible for all repairs and maintenance of the property, including the structure and external areas (roof, walls, etc.). Upon vacant possession, the Parish Council was required to return the building to the Jubilee Welfare Trust in a high standard.
With the substantial costs needed to rectify the dilapidations to the Jubilee Clinic building over recent years, the Parish Council entered negotiations with the Jubilee Welfare Trust to purchase the clinic and site, giving us more flexibility over its future development. The deed restrictions on the use of the Jubilee Clinic building and land prevent sale for housing development, requiring instead that it be used for community purposes only. Having secured a loan from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB), the Parish Council is pleased to report that the Jubilee Clinic building and site are now in Parish ownership. This will allow the clinic to be redeveloped to meet the requirements of a 21st-century office and community accommodation, satisfying the Health and Safety and legislative standards of a public facility.
The Old Dairy Site
The original intention of the Parish Council, some 10 years ago, was to vacate the Jubilee Clinic (noting the Full Repairing Lease requirements upon vacation) and move into the Old Dairy Site (ODS) buildings after significant renovations. Unfortunately, due to various competing factors over the intervening years, these plans were not realised. Consequently, the Old Dairy Site buildings, although structurally sound, have deteriorated over time. The area is currently fenced off for safety.
Due to the significant increase in costs, the programme to renovate and improve the Old Dairy Site is now beyond the Parish Council’s budget and is deemed unaffordable. The Parish Council and our advisers have concluded that the sale (or partial sale) of the Old Dairy Site is necessary to minimise potential risk.
The funds raised from the sale will offset the development costs of the clinic, reducing long-term expenses for the village. As some Parishioners may know from previous communications and the Parish Council website, Land Agents Cruso & Wilkin Ltd have been appointed as the sales agent for the Old Dairy Site. ‘For Sale’ boards will soon appear, and online sales and marketing information will be made available. Please spread the word to any interested parties.
Conclusion
The developments outlined in this letter have required a great deal of behind-the-scenes work. The Parish Council is especially grateful to the Jubilee Welfare Trust for the opportunity to secure the future use of the Jubilee Clinic site for the long term, further enhancing the support and service to Heacham Parish and Village. We also extend thanks to the community members, local tradespeople, and the Parish Clerk and Assistant Parish Clerk, whose efforts have contributed to this progress.
We will continue to keep you updated.
Sincerely,
Chair and Parish Councillors of Heacham Parish CouncilAnnex: Principles Guiding Parish Council Spending
Parish Council spending plans are typically guided by key principles, ensuring public funds are used effectively, transparently, and in a way that serves the community. These include:
- Accountability and Transparency: Parish Councils are accountable to the public, and their spending plans must be transparent. This means clear reporting on where funds are allocated and regular audits to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Value for Money: Councils must strive to achieve the best possible outcomes with the resources available. This includes ensuring that spending decisions provide good value for the taxpayer and result in efficient services.
- Equity and Fairness: Parish Council spending must address the needs of the entire community, ensuring that resources are distributed fairly, and that vulnerable or underserved groups receive adequate and appropriate support.
- Sustainability: Councils need to consider the long-term impact of their spending decisions, ensuring that they contribute to sustainable development and do not compromise future generations’ ability to meet their needs.
- Strategic Prioritisation: Resources are often limited, so councils must prioritise spending based on strategic goals, focusing on essential services such as public health, housing, education, and infrastructure.
- Community Involvement: Effective council spending often involves consultation with residents and stakeholders to ensure that budget allocations reflect the needs and priorities of the community.
- Legal and Regulation: Councils are bound by laws and regulations that govern public spending. Adherence to these frameworks is crucial.
- Risk Management: Councils must assess the risks associated with different spending decisions and ensure that plans include measures to mitigate financial or operational risks.
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Recreation Ground New equipment installation
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Parish Council Statement to Parishioners