Statement from the Parish Council
Published: 23 September 2026
Hellaby Parish Council acknowledges the guilty plea entered by Rebecca Thompson, former Clerk to the Parish Council, at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday 17th September 2026, in relation to the theft (of a combined total) of over £40,000 from Bramley, Hellaby and Letwell Parish Councils.
The Council recognises the seriousness of these offences and the impact they have had on our community. We are grateful to the authorities for their thorough investigation and for bringing the matter to its conclusion.
Hellaby Parish Council fully cooperated with the police investigation from 2024 through to its conclusion, providing all information and assistance required to support the case.
Following the discovery of the financial irregularities, the Council took prompt action to strengthen its governance arrangements. This included enhanced financial controls, increased oversight procedures and independent auditing measures. These steps have reinforced the Council’s commitment to protecting public funds, ensuring transparency and maintaining strong standards of governance.
The Council understands that residents will have concerns about events that have taken place. Our focus is now firmly on moving forward positively, maintaining the confidence of the community and ensuring that parish resources continue to be managed responsibly, transparently and with integrity.
The most recent internal audit confirms that Hellaby Parish Council is now in a strong position, with robust procedures and controls in place. The Council is confident about the future and remains committed to serving the community effectively and responsibly.