Issue - meetings

Report attached.

The Cabinet considered a report of Councillor Kate Walsh, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Families, seeking approval for a proposed increase in allotment rent charges from the 1^st January 2026 and 1^st January 2027

Councillor Walsh provided a brief introduction to the report.

Approval of the report was deemed a key decision.

Reasons for Decision

It was recommended that from 1^st January 2026 the allotment rent charge be increased from 28.5p/m² annum to 30.0p/m² annum, and the minimum plot charge be increased from £55.00pa to £60.00pa, and that that from 1^st January 2027 the allotment rent charge be increased from 30.0p/m² annum to 32.0p/m² annum, the minimum plot charge be increased from £60.00pa to £65.00pa.

During 2012, the Council had consulted with the allotment tenants.  83% of those responding said that rent should be increased regularly in small amounts rather than single large increments at irregular intervals.

Since 2014, the Council had progressively increased the allotment rents in small annual increments to ensure that the annual rate of increase was kept reasonable, as shown below.  Allotment rents were charged by calendar year.

The minimum charge was the lowest amount of rent charged per plot regardless of plot size.

Prior to 2014, the allotment rents had not been increased since 2006 and had been amongst the lowest in England (data supplied by the National Allotment Society).  Between 2006 and 2014 the annual allotment rents had been charged 7.5p/m² (Average).

The Council had a legal duty to notify tenants 12 months in advance of an allotment rent increase.  To facilitate the 1^st January 2026 rent increase, allotment tenants would have to be advised by the 31^st December 2024.

The Councils allotment service was operated on a ‘cost neutral’ basis, without profit.  Having taken into account inflationary pressures in financial years 2026-2027 & 2027-2028, and increased Council costs, the recommended rent increase would enable the Council to continue to provide the present ‘cost neutral’ service level. 

The Allotment Act 1950 stated that an authority might charge such rent as a tenant might “reasonably be expected to pay”.  The recommended rental increase had taken account of all of the following factors:

• Comparison with other neighbouring Local Authorities;
• Comparison with other local recreational activities;
• National Allotment Society Policy Document 103. Rents; and
• Consultation with the Hyndburn Federation of Allotments.

Comparison with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 212