Agenda item

To seek approval for new allotment rents and water service charges to be implemented from October 2025 and to approve that a stakeholder engagement process is progressed to review the way in which allotments rents and charges are structured, review and where necessary update the allotment tenancy agreement and tenancy rules to reflect current Allotment legislation and practice.

That the Committee for Public Health and Communities RESOLVED (unanimously):

1.      To note the outcome of the call-in committee decision on 27th March 2024 including the issues raised and the public forum questions and statements.

2.      To note the outcome of the consultation as set out in this report and in Appendix F and which have been taken into account in the recommendations before the Committee.

3.      Approved the revised allotment rent and charges set out in the report and Appendix A2 and the expansion of the discount scheme to enable more people on low incomes to benefit from a 50% reduced rent as outlined in this report.

4.      To note the introduction of direct debit payments to allow for quarterly or monthly payments.

5.      Authorised the Executive Director Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee to take all steps required to implement the revised allotments rent and charges and undertake the stakeholder engagement as set out in paragraph 9 of this report.

6.      Further approved a stakeholder engagement process to update the allotment tenancy agreement and update the tenancy rules, which will be the subject of a future report to the Public Health and Communities Committee.

The Committee considered a report which sought approval for a new allotment rents and water service charges to be implemented from October 2025.

The Chair noted that this item had been deferred at the previous meeting of the Public Health & Communities Policy Committee on 23^rd August 2024 and that following further engagement with Members and allotment tenants, the report had been updated to include a revised fees structure.

Summary of main points raised/noted in discussion of this item:

·       It was confirmed that the proposed rent increase applied a 52% rise, with the most common plot rent increasing from £50 to £76 annually.

·       The low-income discount eligibility would be extended to tenants receiving Universal Credit, pension credit, and council tax reductions along with reductions for those delivering social value.

·       There would be in introduction of flexible payment options through monthly and quarterly direct debits to ease payment.

·       Officers estimated an additional income of £116k per annum from rent increases which would fund one additional allotment officer, an upgrade of the allotment management software and maintenance allotment sites.

·       The Allotment Act requires 12 months’ notice so any changes would be effective October 2025, however officers advised they may be able to appointment of an allotments officer sooner in April 2025.

·       A Member raised concerns around financial hardship of some tenants, and it was confirmed that officers would use discretion in waiving fees for tenants facing financial difficulties and detail of these cases would be brought to the Chair and Vice-Chair for information.

·       Officers clarified details on plot accessibility and noted that six sites currently lack water facilities.

·       Members highlighted the need to review water usage and promote sustainable practices.

·       It was noted that allotment holders would be involved in the development of updated tenancy rules and in setting future pricing structures.

The Chair then moved the recommendations as set out in the report. Cllr Clarke seconded the motion.

The Committee RESOLVED (unanimously);

1.      To note the outcome of the call-in committee decision on 27th March 2024 including the issues raised and the public forum questions and statements.

2.      To note the outcome of the consultation as set out in this report and in Appendix F and which have been taken into account in the recommendations before the Committee.

3.      Approved the revised allotment rent and charges set out in the report and Appendix A2 and the expansion of the discount scheme to enable more people on low incomes to benefit from a 50% reduced rent as outlined in this report. 4. To note the introduction of direct debit payments to allow for quarterly or monthly payments.

4.      Authorised the Executive Director Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee to take all steps required to implement the revised allotments rent and charges and undertake the stakeholder engagement as set out in paragraph 9 of this report.

5.      Further approved a stakeholder engagement process to update the allotment tenancy agreement and update the tenancy rules, which will be the subject of a future report to the Public Health and Communities Committee.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:40am.

The meeting was reconvened at 10:50am